In 1975, Public Law 94-142 was passed to ensure that children with disabilities would receive a free appropriate public education. The law, now called the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004), still strives to ensure these rights. Unfortunately, families of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities often find themselves perplexed by the special education system. Special education services vary from district to district and school to school even though they are all required to abide by the same laws and regulations.
Families often are unsure of what the laws are or how much they can push a school district to do. This can be an intimidating process which often involves a team of many professionals. The Arc of Nebraska can help. We are are a resource to helping families know their rights. The Arc keeps track of any legislative changes at the state and federal level that may impact the way special education services are implemented. We also connect families to their local chapter for support at Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meetings and will attend them ourselves if they are located in a community without a local chapter.
Contact us or go to our resources to learn more about rights of students and families within special education!
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